Albany Agenda
Budget
The most important things included in the state budget
The $254 billion state budget includes changes to the discovery law and involuntary commitment standards as well as new affordability measures and a criminal charge related to wearing masks.
Budget
New York finally settles Foundation Aid debate (for now)
The final budget includes tweaks to Foundation Aid, the byzantine formula that the state uses to allocate education funding to school districts.
LGBTQ+
Senate committee advances GOP anti-trans bill
Three Democrats joined with Republicans to advance a bill that would allow schools to ban trans girls from participating in women’s sports, though the bill is unlikely to pass the full Senate.
Budget
Will the state budget deliver on Hochul’s affordability promises?
Many of the governor’s marquee affordability proposals look likely to make it into the final version of the budget, which could help Hochul as she runs for reelection.
Budget
It's official: This year's budget is the latest in 15 years
Gov. Kathy Hochul is presiding over the most tardy budget since 2010 – breaking the previous record she set in 2023.
Albany Agenda
Proposed law would let City Council remove NYC mayor
Currently, the governor has the power to remove the mayor, but the City Council does not.
Education
School districts fret over potential changes to Foundation Aid in state budget
It’s still unclear how the state budget will tweak the Foundation Aid formula for school funding, which is a problem for school districts that are currently drawing up their own budgets.
Budget
$50 million for housing vouchers is better than nothing
Supporters of the Housing Access Voucher Program are glad to see it finally included in the budget, though they wish Gov. Kathy Hochul had committed more funding to it.
Immigration
After Wisconsin judge arrest, NY lawmakers look to strengthen immigrant protections in courthouses
ICE is largely prevented from making arrests in and around courthouses in the state, but officials want to shore up the Protect Our Courts Act in light of recent news.
Budget
Finances are an afterthought as state leaders approach a budget deal
Despite federal cuts and a recession looming, talk of the actual state spending plan has taken a backseat to nonfiscal policy negotiations.
Budget
Housing vouchers are back from the dead in budget talks
After years of rejection by the governor, state leaders are discussing a potential deal to approve the Housing Access Voucher Program.
Budget
Could a stock transfer tax help NYC weather the Trump administration?
Two lawmakers say restoring a five-cent tax on stock trades could help compensate for potential cuts in federal funding.
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Albany Agenda
DOCCS wanted people convicted of violent crimes to be eligible for early release
A “program bill” circulated last year would have dramatically expanded eligibility for merit time programs that allow incarcerated people to earn time off of their sentences
Budget
Despite what Hochul says, New Yorkers do care the budget is late
But a new poll from Siena College also shows that voters are fine with the governor delaying the spending plan over her policy priorities.
Budget
Poll: City & State readers see a late April or early May state budget
Some optimists thought the budget would be done by now, while others think it’ll stretch deep into the summer.
Cannabis
Upstate town sees benefits of cannabis tax revenue
Local tax revenue from sales of the once-illegal substance allowed Henritta to hire an additional sheriff’s deputy.
Albany Agenda
The discovery debate is almost done. What’s next for the budget?
Changes to the state’s involuntary commitment laws, a potential mask ban and a tax hike to fund the MTA are all on the table.
News & Politics
Hochul targets Stefanik’s seat
As Rep. Elise Stefanik considers a run for governor, Gov. Kathy Hochul told Democrats she's confident they'll win Stefanik's North Country district.
Budget
Breaking News
Legislative leaders reach deal with DAs on discovery
The debate over when cases should be dismissed if prosecutors fail to turn over evidence held up the state budget for weeks.
Albany Agenda
State budget unlikely to be finished before end of month
Will April policy debates bring a May budget deal?
